Originally Posted by eaglefan

Hello everyone. I have been back into riding for almost a year. I ride for fun and also ride to work as much as I can. I currently have a Giant Rapid3 I bought used, from my LBS. It was my first bike since I was in my youth and I got a good deal on it. It is to big for me but it was a good deal and I wanted to see how I liked it and how much I would enjoy it before dropping a bunch of $$$ into it riding.
Well the riding bug has bit and I am totally into riding as much as I can. I have been "looking" for a new bike with proper fit and function. I have a ortlieb pannier that works awesome for what I need. For fun, I will drive to the beach here and ride, fitness and fun. All riding I do is on asphalt that is in good condition.
What I am looking for are suggestions of bikes that will meet what I am looking for. My trip to work is 5 miles one way.

1. I prefer fast over comfort. Meaning no suspension or big wide tires. Have 25 gatorskins on current bike and love them
2. Must be able to use a rack on rear of bike
3. a great reliable component group.
4. $1500 would be my limit
5.

I have a few bike bike shops that sell the normal big brand stuff, but they dont have many hybrid bikes in stock.
So, I would like to hear comments, reviews of bikes that fit what what I am looking for.
Thanks for all comments